From Quang Tri to Monsey: One Man’s Journey from Vietnam to Orthodox Judaism.

Today he considers himself a soldier in Hashem’s army. Time was when Zvi Webb was “Hank” and his “army” was the US Armed Forces.

A just-released memoir tells the fascinating story of R’ Zvi’s journey from the social unrest of the 1960’s to a military tour in Vietnam and eventual encounter with Judaism. The book, “Loyal Soldier,” (Israel Book Shop 2006) follows his soul-searching adventures in the Amazon jungle, near-murder by a drunken anti-Semite in the army and forced Shabbos observance in Israel.

Volumes have been written in an effort to explain the painful phenomenon that was the Vietnam War. Never has the era been seen through the eyes of a religious Jew. This compelling read tells of the struggles of a young American serving his country on the one hand, facing the disgusted reaction of his countrymen on the other and balancing his newfound religious faith on top.

The book contains many original letters that “Captain Webb,” as he was then, wrote to his sister and parents. The letters are a captivating addition to the story, offering insights into the political temperament of the time in the United States and Israel.

Webb, who debated the anti-war (Senator) John Kerry upon his return to the States, describes Vietnam as “probably one of the most gorgeous vacation spots on earth” if the region were to settle into a time of peace. It may be a while until he moves back there; for now he resides in Monsey, NY with his wife. The Webbs are proud parents of five children and eight grandchildren involved in the outreach work of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.